Holiday Cooking: Health(ier) Treats
Thanksgiving is a day of family, tradition, and great food. While many of us enjoy the same dishes year after year, it’s always nice to try something new!
We all know that “stuffed” feeling after the Thanksgiving feast. But it’s the desserts that often set you over the edge. Most traditional Thanksgiving sweets are very heavy. These lighter options are equally delicious but will help you avoid that “stuffed to the brim” feeling. While they still contain some less-healthy ingredients, the overall fat, sugar, and caloric contents are much lower. We were even able to sneak in some fresh fruit, extra protein, fiber, and antioxidants!
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
15 oz pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1/2 cup canola, grapeseed, or olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1 cup vanilla protein powder (or sweetener of choice)
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp salt
Optional - 1 cup mix-ins (nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add all dry ingredients, and fold gently until just barely combined. Do not over mix!
Gently fold mix-ins until evenly dispersed.
Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
In a 350-degree oven, bake 40-50 minuets until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool at room temperature and enjoy!
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
2 cups chopped and peeled apples
1 tsp honey
1.5 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin spice
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder or brown sugar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine apples, honey, lemon juice, pumpkin spice, and 1 tsp cinnamon until all ingredients are well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a separate bowl, combine oats, protein powder (or sugar), pecans, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and salt. Combine so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
With clean hands or a pastry cutter, cut cold butter or coconut oil and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients until a sand-like texture is formed. This may take a few minutes. Set aside in the refrigerator.
Grease an 8" cake pan or 4 ramekins. Divide the apple mixture evenly and spoon the crumble topping to cover the fruit.
In a 350-degree oven, bake for 20-30 minutes (less time for smaller containers, and more time for larger) until the crumble topping is golden brown.
Let cool at room temperature until serving.
Berry Pavlova
Ingredients
8 egg whites
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cream of tarter
1.5 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut cream
Mixed fresh berries: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and/or strawberries
Instructions
In a large, clean glass bowl, combine egg whites, salt, white vinegar, and cream of tarter. Using an electric mixer, beat on high until foamy.
Begin adding sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating for 30 seconds between each addition. Continue until all of the sugar has been added. Beat mixture on high for an additional 3-5 minutes, until stiff and shiny peaks have formed.
Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Divide the meringue in half, and form a circle on each baking sheet. Each circle should be approximately 8-10 inches in diameter. Smooth so that the batter is in an even layer.
Place the meringues into a 225-degree oven for approximately 2 hours. When finished, the meringue should be firm and crunchy, but not browned.
Turn the oven off, and let the meringue cool inside for at least 2 hours up to 12.
When ready to serve, combine heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract in a bowl, and whip until stiff peaks have formed. If you prefer sweetened whipped cream, add 1 tablespoon of confectioners sugar.
Layer meringue, whipped cream, and berries into two layers. Keep refrigerated until serving.